‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Is The Best Solution To End Galamsey – Nana Yaw Sarpong

A political aide to Alan Kyerematen, Nana Yaw Sarpong, has proposed a more drastic approach to curbing illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, calling for the introduction of a “shoot-to-kill” directive against offenders. According to him, this approach would be more effective than government’s current proposal to declare forest reserves and water bodies as security zones.

Speaking in a radio interview, Nana Yaw Sarpong argued that Ghana has reached a point where mere declarations and bureaucratic measures are no longer sufficient to stop the wanton destruction of the environment. He noted that illegal miners continue to operate with boldness despite repeated government interventions, arrests, and task force operations.

“Declaring forest reserves and water bodies as security zones won’t solve the problem. The truth is that those destroying our environment are not afraid of laws or task forces. The only thing that will stop them is a shoot-to-kill directive. It sounds harsh, but that is the only language they understand,” he emphasized.

Nana Yaw Sarpong lamented the rapid rate at which Ghana’s rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves are being destroyed by illegal mining. He warned that if immediate and drastic measures are not taken, the country’s natural ecosystem could collapse in the next decade, leading to a national water crisis.

He accused some local authorities and politicians of paying lip service to the fight against galamsey, adding that several task force operations have been compromised by corruption and political interference.

“Some of the people who are supposed to enforce the laws are themselves involved in galamsey. Others take bribes and look the other way. How do you win the fight under such conditions?” he questioned.

Nana Yaw Sarpong believes that a shoot-to-kill order would send a strong signal to illegal miners and their financiers that the government is serious about protecting the environment.

His comments come in the wake of renewed debate over the government’s latest strategy to combat galamsey, including the declaration of forest reserves and major water bodies as “security zones.” Under this policy, security agencies would be given broader powers to protect such areas and arrest anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities.

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While some have welcomed Nana Yaw Sarpong’s tough position, others have condemned it as excessive and unconstitutional.

Environmentalists, however, acknowledge that current anti-galamsey measures have largely failed to produce lasting results. Many rivers, including the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra, remain heavily polluted, while vast tracts of forest land continue to be degraded.

The debate over how best to tackle illegal mining remains a highly polarizing national issue. For Nana Yaw Sarpong, the time for half-measures is over — and only decisive, uncompromising action will save Ghana’s environment from total destruction.